Locals and visitors alike were devastated to learn that the award-winning Mill Hide was burnt down on Thursday, 19 February. Encouraged by many offers of support from the community, NatureScot aims to rebuild this highly valued facility in 2021.

This popular bird-watching hide on the shore of Loch Leven, within the National Nature Reserve and on the Heritage Trail close to Kinross, provided outstanding views across the loch, a focal point for short walks from the village, and a resting place for those on a longer circuit of the loch.

For birdwatchers and walkers, it was a wonderful vantage point for viewing ducks, geese and swans – as well as the occasional glimpse of a kingfisher. For the early riser, its windows provided the perfect frame for many a stunning sunrise.

The charred, skeletal remains of the hide, which was built in 2011 and won two design awards, were removed in early March. We’re now waiting for confirmation that the foundations have survived and will support the replacement structure.

The original hide cost about £35,000 and we anticipate the replacement cost will be about the same. With a significant contribution from the community, NatureScot will find the remaining funds to rebuild in 2021. Otherwise, we will have to defer the rebuild until more funds become available in 2022/23 or later.

NatureScot manages the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve on behalf of the loch owners, Kinross Estate Company, along with RSPB Scotland at the Vane Farm part of the nature reserve. All of this is with the co-operation and support of many organisations and individuals – including volunteers, Kinross Community Council, TRACKS and Perth & Kinross Council.

Please help reinstate this popular feature by donating today.

Donation Levels

We’ve listed some suggested donations but if the exact amount you wish to donate is not listed on this page then please visit the Donate to a National Nature Reserve page,

Pick Loch Leven National Nature Reserve from the Which National Nature Reserve would you like to donate to? drop down list and type "Rebuild the Mill Hide" in the Why did you want to support this National Nature Reserve? field. You can also Gift Aid donations through the Donate to a National Nature Reserve form.

TEXT Donation

You can support the Rebuild the Mill Hide by text message!!

To make a donation, text 'MILLHIDE' to 70450 to donate £5. This costs £5 plus a std rate message. Alternatively, you can opt to give any whole amount up to £20. Text "MILLHIDE20" to donate £20.

Gift Aid Declaration

Boost your donation by 25p of Gift Aid for every £1 donated.

Gift Aid is reclaimed by MyParkScotland from the tax you pay for the current year. Your address is needed to identify you as a UK taxpayer.

By choosing a donation level that includes Gift Aid you confirm that I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

The additional funds generated through Gift Aid donations are invested in the park endowment fund which supports the long term management of our wonderful parks.

Please notify MyParkScotland if you:

- want to cancel this declaration
- change your name or home address
- no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains

If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code